The Arnold Schwarzenegger birthplace in Thal/Graz is not only the official, but furthermore the only museum worldwide that is bearing his name and is supported by the man himself.

The museum is located in the former forester’s lodge of the Herberstein dynasty. Since 2011 you can visit the place where it all began. Here you can follow the footsteps of the probably most famous Austrian.

Numerous exhibits show his remarkable career, including his most important stages of life like his childhood and adolescence, becoming the world’s best bodybuilder, biggest movie star and the Governor of California. Go face to face with the Terminator himself – Enter the life of Arnold Schwarzenegger!

NEW! Online-Shop

Please visit our Onlineshop, there you will find original merchandise and gifts. Treat yourself or friends and relatives with souvenirs from Arnold Schwarzenegger's birthplace.

Danilo Baletić – Arnie meets Transformers Art

The History of the Museum

1947

The birth of Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born on July 30, 1947 in Thal, Styria close to Graz. His childhood and adolescence were spent in the official residence of the Thal police force, the former forester’s lodge of the Herberstein dynasty. He left Thal on August 20, 1966 to conquer the world. Due to his successful careers in bodybuilding, acting and politics, he can rightly be considered as the most famous Austrian of our time.

Thanks to personal initiative of Peter Urdl, Arnold’s longtime friend and former mayor of Thal, these careers have been opened to the public in 2001. In May 2004 the “Arnold Schwarzengger Wanderweg” was formerly opened with a length of either 3,5 km (2.2 mi), 9,5 km (6 mi) or 13,5 km (8.5 mi). Go hiking in the footsteps of Arnold! In February 2005 a special exhibition followed. It was located next to the famous “Jakobikirche”, a church that was designed by the Fantastic Realism painter Ernst Fuchs. There, visitors from all around the world were able to marvel at memorabilia and gifts that were provided by Mr. Schwarzenegger.

2004

The formal opening of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Wanderweg

2009

Investor Christian Baha purchased Arnold’s birthplace

Even before the museum has opened it gates and the property still was privately owned, Arnold’s birthplace has been visited by many fans from all around the globe. The idea of creating a museum was discussed with Arnold when he visited his hometown in 2007, an idea Arnold was fond of. So he offered full support of providing the future museum with personal belongings. In 2009 the property in Thal 145 was released for auction. Christian Baha, the founding principal of Superfund, proved to be a generous patron and won the auction. Along with Peter Urdl, Baha’s dedication was an important element to make the dream of the “Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum” come true.

July 30, 2011, on Arnold’s 64th birthday the property was inaugurated. On October 7, of the same year, the larger than life bronze statue that shows Arnold in his prime mastering the 3/4 back pose, designed by the artist Ralph Crawford was unveiled and the museum officially have been opened to the public. Ever since, the museum advanced along with Arnold and it is constantly growing. New exhibition areas have been introduced like a sector focused on his army days as well as movie props from his most famous roles … and the story goes on…

2011

The Grand Opening

1947

The birth of Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born on July 30, 1947 in Thal, Styria close to Graz. His childhood and adolescence were spent in the official residence of the Thal police force, the former forester’s lodge of the Herberstein dynasty. He left Thal on August 20, 1966 to conquer the world. Due to his successful careers in bodybuilding, acting and politics, he can rightly be considered as the most famous Austrian of our time.

2004

The formal opening of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Wanderweg

Thanks to personal initiative of Peter Urdl, Arnold’s longtime friend and former mayor of Thal, these careers have been opened to the public in 2001. In May 2004 the “Arnold Schwarzengger Wanderweg” was formerly opened with a length of either 3,5 km (2.2 mi), 9,5 km (6 mi) or 13,5 km (8.5 mi). Go hiking in the footsteps of Arnold! In February 2005 a special exhibition followed. It was located next to the famous “Jakobikirche”, a church that was designed by the Fantastic Realism painter Ernst Fuchs. There, visitors from all around the world were able to marvel at memorabilia and gifts that were provided by Mr. Schwarzenegger.

2009

Investor Christian Baha purchased Arnold’s birthplace

Even before the museum has opened it gates and the property still was privately owned, Arnold’s birthplace has been visited by many fans from all around the globe. The idea of creating a museum was discussed with Arnold when he visited his hometown in 2007, an idea Arnold was fond of. So he offered full support of providing the future museum with personal belongings. In 2009 the property in Thal 145 was released for auction. Christian Baha, the founding principal of Superfund, proved to be a generous patron and won the auction. Along with Peter Urdl, Baha’s dedication was an important element to make the dream of the “Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum” come true.

2011

The Grand Opening

July 30, 2011, on Arnold’s 64th birthday the property was inaugurated. On October 7, of the same year, the larger than life bronze statue that shows Arnold in his prime mastering the 3/4 back pose, designed by the artist Ralph Crawford was unveiled and the museum officially have been opened to the public. Ever since, the museum advanced along with Arnold and it is constantly growing. New exhibition areas have been introduced like a sector focused on his army days as well as movie props from his most famous roles … and the story goes on…

Arnold visits his museum

Arnold does not miss the chance to visit his birthplace several times per year to give friends and family members a guided tour.

Opening Hours

Summer Season

From March to October, Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6.00 p.m., last admission 5.30 p.m.

Winter Season

From November to February, Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., last admission 4.30 p.m.

Prices

Adults

€ 8,90

Discounts*

€ 6,90

Children (Ages 5-14) / School classes

€ 3,90

Regular guided tour

€ 10,00

Audioguide (German or English)

€ 2,00

Groups

Groups by arrangement only!

* Groups (10 people or more), Children ages 15-17, Students (up to age 27), Senior citizens 65 or over with valid ID, people with disabilities, Members of compulsory military and community service with valid ID, unemployed persons.

Sorry, there are no dogs allowed in the museum, but owners can keep their pets on a leash outside.